Canaan Mdletshe
The people of Nkandla rejoiced, danced and sang Mshiniwami as they predicted victory for their "son" and "president" - ANC leader Jacob Zuma.
Zuma cast his vote yesterday at the Ntolwane Primary School in the most fiercely contested election for national parliamentary and the provincial seats.
It was a historic moment for Zuma who grew up in this rural village. He could not hide his emotions as he cast his vote, saying: "I am happy to cast my vote in the mountains where I grew up as a boy."
It was the first time since 1994 that Zuma voted in the dusty Nkandla.
Dressed in a navy blue suit with a blue shirt, the ANC president appeared confident, relaxed and satisfied with his party's campaigning.
"We had a good campaign. I have high hopes that we will succeed," Zuma said.
He was accompanied by his fourth wife - Nompumelelo Ntuli - the wife many believe is likely to be the official first lady of South Africa when Zuma become president.
Wearing a tailored cream dress and immaculately groomed from head to toe, the 33-year-old could not hide her admiration for her husband.
She looked affectionately at Zuma and said: "I cannot express my feelings now that we have voted."
Voters, all very much in awe, wanted to touch the man they believe "walks among us ".
The mood was one of early celebration.
The predictions from the rural folk was that the ANC would get an outright victory that would put Zuma in high office.
Villager Hlala Sibiya was excited as Zuma cast his vote in secret yesterday.
"For us, the Zulu boy from Nkandla is set to take us to the world. It is a dream come true. He has made us proud."
Nkandla celebrates
Canaan Mdletshe
The people of Nkandla rejoiced, danced and sang Mshiniwami as they predicted victory for their "son" and "president" - ANC leader Jacob Zuma.
Zuma cast his vote yesterday at the Ntolwane Primary School in the most fiercely contested election for national parliamentary and the provincial seats.
It was a historic moment for Zuma who grew up in this rural village. He could not hide his emotions as he cast his vote, saying: "I am happy to cast my vote in the mountains where I grew up as a boy."
It was the first time since 1994 that Zuma voted in the dusty Nkandla.
Dressed in a navy blue suit with a blue shirt, the ANC president appeared confident, relaxed and satisfied with his party's campaigning.
"We had a good campaign. I have high hopes that we will succeed," Zuma said.
He was accompanied by his fourth wife - Nompumelelo Ntuli - the wife many believe is likely to be the official first lady of South Africa when Zuma become president.
Wearing a tailored cream dress and immaculately groomed from head to toe, the 33-year-old could not hide her admiration for her husband.
She looked affectionately at Zuma and said: "I cannot express my feelings now that we have voted."
Voters, all very much in awe, wanted to touch the man they believe "walks among us ".
The mood was one of early celebration.
The predictions from the rural folk was that the ANC would get an outright victory that would put Zuma in high office.
Villager Hlala Sibiya was excited as Zuma cast his vote in secret yesterday.
"For us, the Zulu boy from Nkandla is set to take us to the world. It is a dream come true. He has made us proud."